YXY fuels

Fuels are an important target for CO2 reduction and decreased dependence on foreign oil. Despite the support for biofuels, the worldwide production only totals around 35 Mtoe (million tons of oil equivalent), representing a 1.5% market share of the total transportation fuel market. Many governments have set ambitious targets for the share of biofuels in the fuel pool (ranging from 5% to 30% in 2030). First-generation biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel are hampered by a range of economic, sustainability and technical drawbacks. This creates an enormous market opportunity for advanced biofuels.

 

In Europe, moreover, diesel fuels are imported from Russia to fulfill unmet diesel demand. A biofuel that blends well with diesel would therefore be key for Europe. Another driver for advanced biofuels is the lack of alternatives for heavy-duty diesel engines (in trucks, for example) and airplanes, where batteries or fuel cells cannot provide the required energy density.

 

Avantium develops YXY fuels as a component of tomorrow’s green transportation fuel pool. Avantium works towards producing YXY fuels in existing refineries, distributing them through the current distribution channels and ensuring that they work in today’s engines.

Avantium has carried out a range of engine and car tests to demonstrate Furanics in blends with fossil fuels. In 2007 and 2008, Avantium tested YXY fuels in a range of blends with regular diesel in a Citroen Berlingo with an unmodified diesel engine. The results of the test were very positive and demonstrated that YXY fuels can be used in concentrations of more than 30%. Moreover, the results showed a significant reduction in soot particles and smoke formation, because of a cleaner combustion in the engine. In 2009, Avantium initiated a test program in collaboration with DAF Trucks. The results of this program validated the use of YXY fuels for truck engines and confirmed Avantium’s findings on smoke and soot reduction. Avantium also provided samples of YXY fuel to a European consortium of companies to test the use of Furanics in jet fuel.

 

More car and engine tests are planned in the near future. In order to commercialize YXY fuels, Avantium plans to collect a broad data package to demonstrate the use of YXY fuels in a range of engines and test conditions. Furanics are currently not part of any fuel pool. The company is negotiating partnerships in this area to further drive market acceptance of Furanics biofuels.

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